Lonely pensioner who became obsessed with postwoman put tracker on her van

He also turned up at her mum's home

Keith Deacon used the device to check where she was going and would occasionally turn up at locations where she was.

The 71-year-old developed a "fixation" with the post office worker during the coronavirus pandemic, Norwich Crown Court heard.

Matthew Sorel-Cameron, prosecuting, said Deacon used the tracking device to check where she was going, and on occasions turned up where she was.

The court was told that he also turned up at the victim's mother's address.

Deacon also texted a friend about the worker stating that he knew where she was.

A victim impact statement said the worker was "distressed" to find out what had happened and had to change her round as a result.

Deacon, of Cromer, Norfolk, appeared in court to be sentenced having admitted a charge of stalking involving serious alarm or distress between January 2020 and December 2021.

Recorder Douglas Edwards said Deacon developed a "fixation" with the public sector worker.

He said it caused her "distress" and was something "she shouldn't be expected to have to endure".

Deacon was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment suspended for 18 months and given 30 days Rehabilitaton Activity Requirement (RAR).

He was also made the subject of a restraining order prohibiting him from contacting the victim directly or indirectly for the next seven years.

Juliet Donovan,mitigatingg, said the Deacon was "alone", "somewhat isolated" and described the defendant as a "lonely man who found a connection" with the victim.

She said he was of previous good character and had not threatened her in any way and had become "obsessive" in his actions.

Deacon's barrister said the offences committed by the defendant were done undercover which she, the victim, eventually found out about.

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